SGB Update Outdoor

NSGA Hall of Famer, Augie Nieto, Passes Away

Augie Nieto was one of the most successful innovators in the fitness industry who turned his efforts toward finding a cure for ALS after he was diagnosed with the disease 18 years ago. Nieto, a 2008 Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame inductee, passed away on February 22.

Rocky Brands Sees Lower Q4 Sales On Weaker Wholesale Business

Rocky Brands, Inc. reported that fourth quarter net sales decreased 18.0 percent to $138.9 million, compared with $169.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. Wholesale segment sales for the fourth quarter decreased 26.6 percent to $98.9 million.

Academy’s Debt Ratings Raised By Moody’s

Moody’s Investors Service upgraded Academy, Ltd.’s debt ratings to reflect Academy’s continued outperformance relative to expectations and the overall retail industry.

Sportsman’s Warehouse To Open In North Naples

Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc. announced it would open a new store in North Naples on March 2, making this the retailer’s first store in Southwest Florida and fourth in the state.

Yeti Posts Fourth-Quarter Loss On Massive Recall Charges

Yeti reported a loss in the fourth quarter as it absorbed $128.9 million in write-offs related to the recall of several magnet-lined products. Sales were up 1 percent in the fourth quarter but would have risen 10 percent, excluding the recalled products. Yeti also warned that 2023 profitability and sales would be impacted by the recall, with growth planned at 3-to-5 percent.

Wiley X Hires New CEO, CFO And SVP Sales

Protective eyewear brand Wiley X announced changes to its senior leadership structure. Co-Owners and brothers Myles, Jr. and Dan Freeman will retain senior leadership positions, with Dan Freeman stepping into the role of company CEO.

Janji And Oiselle Brands To Merge

Janji, a Boston-based running apparel brand, and Oiselle, a Seattle-based women’s athletic apparel company, have entered into a collaborative partnership through a merger facilitated by Digsbury Ventures.

Wolverine Worldwide Forecasts Low-Single-Digit Growth For 2023

Wolverine Worldwide’s fourth-quarter sales grew 8.4 percent as strong double-digit growth at Merrell and Saucony offset a steep decline at Sperry. Overall results were in line with recently-updated guidance. Guidance for the current year calls for margin pressures to continue in the first half of the year to further reduce inventories and low-single-digit growth on a currency-neutral basis for the overall year.

Sympatex Names Chief Sales And Marketing Officer

Sympatex Technologies, a manufacturer of membranes, laminates and textiles used in outdoor apparel and footwear, promoted Kim Scholze to chief sales and marketing officer and its board.

Fox Factory Acquires Custom Wheel House

Fox Factory Holding Corp. agreed to acquire Custom Wheel House, LLC (CWH) from Thompson Street Capital Partners and other sellers for $131.6 million.